An Unexplored Realm in the Heartland of the Southern Gulf ... - Famsi

Based on recovered ceramics, both of these locations were occupied
simultaneously during the San Lorenzo phase and for the remainder of the Formative
period. The deposit of mixed sand and ash identified as Level IV in Profile 7A and Level
III in Profile 6B is continuous across the exposed river cut and match the horizontal
dimensions of Structure 111, suggesting this layer was foundational to the surface
structure. Along the southern perimeter of Structure 111, the Olmec throne was buried.
Surveys of in situ cultural material along the river cut in Fields 6, 7, and 8 have
produced no evidence to suggest any residential occupation of this zone beyond the
Formative period. Late Classic period ceramics are present here but are all found only in
four limited and intrusive contexts. It appears that these invasive Late Classic period
episodes were calculated events and are related to each other.
Offerings III, IV, and V are all attributed to the Late Classic period and were
intentionally deposited within Structure 111. Also, at the southern edge of this structure,
approximately 3 m west of the throne’s interred location, an intrusive hole had been dug
that reached 110 cm in depth. When this cavity was refilled, it contained a mix of
chronologically diagnostic ceramic sherds from the Early Formative to the Late Classic
periods. No offering or artifact assemblage was found in the refilled space. An
uninterrupted 40 cm earthen layer above the disturbed soil literally sealed the entire
activity area. The event is ascribed to the Late Classic period based on the latest ceramic
phase present.
Jones (2001:87-88) describes Mesoamerican offerings or caches as “intentionally
hidden objects…that by content, grouping, or context appear to have votive, dedicatory,
or ceremonial function.” The specific function or social meaning of Offerings III, IV, V,
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